Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello everyone,
Today I got the confirmation call from the vet that my dog has osteosarcoma in her front left leg. When I took her to the initial visit on Saturday he mentioned amputation but said he was sending the x-rays to a radiologist. When he called me today to deliver the news he said the radiologist confirmed that she has metastasis under her heart and he does not recommend amputation because since she has metastasis it wouldn't help her. I was so devastated that couldn't ask all the questions that I wanted. He pretty much gave me no options besides giving her pain meds until she can't take it. She has a fatty tumor under her arm and I wondered if that's what they saw on the x-ray. He did not mention anything about her lungs. She is under pain meds and seems to be in great spirits wanting to go for her walks and jump crazy like boxers do. I just don't think she is ready to give up and hoping that some of you can share your experiences and opinions with me. A little more about her: She is 10 years old, very good health other than the limp on the left leg, she weights approximately 60lbs and her blood work came out perfect. I am trying to schedule a visit with a oncologist clinic but their earliest availability is Dec 16th and I just know that I am running against time
Thanks for posting and best wishes for Maya! It was nice chatting with you, and best wishes for the decisions you face.
As we discussed, a second opinion from a board certified oncologist reviewing high-resolution scans may be the best way to proceed at this point. Keep up the pain meds as prescribed, and moderate Maya's activity until you can see an expert and get some better scans.
While you wait for comments from others, use the Advanced Search above to refine your forum search results with specific phrases, and you're sure to find lots of helpful feedback. You can also search all blogs here . Or, consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for fast answers to common concerns and feel free to call the toll-free Tripawds Helpline anytime!
Please keep us posted. Your future forum posts will not require moderation. Meanwhile, start here for help finding all the helpful Tripawds resources and assistance programs.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I tell ya' one thing, Maya is very lucky to have sich a strong advocate researching what's best for her!!
I can't give you any insight into her situation other than getting that second opin6 as Admin suggested. It seems to me (in my unprofessional opinion) that more tests, xrays, cat scans, ultra sounds, whatever, would need to be done focused specifically on the heart.
It is good news that lungs are clear and blood work came out well! It sounds like Maya is quite fit and has no intention of giving up on life any time soon!
I know it's hard not to jump ahead, but try and keeop rhings chunked down for now. Wondering if trying to get an appointment with a Cardiologist specialist would be something that would help clarify everything so you can formulate a plan. Even IF amputation isn't an option (big IF), there are still other treatment plans that can be utilized for really good extended quality time.
Hang in thete and keep us posted.
Extra hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Thank you for all the support. I got an appointment for Maya at UF oncology vet. Luckily they had a cancelation for tomorrow and were able to get us in very quickly. Trying to be cautiously optimistic but hoping for a better diagnosis and treatment plan. Will keep you guys posted. I did get a copy of her X-ray and believe the vet was referring to the bone close to the heart. I can’t really tell from the imaging but will see what they say tomorrow.
Oh what an excellent school, I'm so glad you got in so quickly. If at all possible to get her entire medical file that would be helpful. See this blog post to make sure you have all the medical files you need at the appointment:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just heading back from UF and I am so glad that we came. Wonderful facility with wonderful doctors. They did a few more tests on Maya and do not believe her tumor has metastasized. I am waiting on the needle aspiration result and a final report from the radiologist but they think they can get her scheduled for amputation next week. I am so relived that I went for a second opinion and did not settle for the dismissive care that we received from the first vet. She might be joining the Tripawd family soon 
Yaaaay! You made our day here. Not because Maya may lose that leg, 'cause none of us want that to happen of course, but we are glad you advocated for her and saw the results of doing so. GREAT JOB!!!
UF is a fabulous institution. Please let us know how we can support you on this end OK? Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you so much! Her surgery is scheduled for Thursday. We are driving tomorrow for the pre op and I am trying not to think about it. I am sure I will need some guidance from this wonderful community. The post op is what scares me the most
jkmaya said
I am sure I will need some guidance from this wonderful community. The post op is what scares me the most...
Best wishes for a perfect procedure and speedy recovery! You will find plenty of guidance by searching these forums, and you can search all blogs here . Or download the Tripawds e-books for fast answers to common concerns.
Don't miss the whole series of Tripawds News blog posts all about what to expect, or subscribe to receive the best recovery and care tips via email.
Any questions, just ask! Or call the toll-free Tripawds Helpline anytime.
Please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You are so welcome. And yes, we will be here for you every step of the way.
Be sure to write down all of your questions for the vet, so that you get them answered before surgery day. And ask us whatever you'd like too, we are here to help.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Yep, we're here for uou snd woth uou ecery step of the way. Recovery is no picnic fot a week or two, more or less. So stay connected and we will help you navigate through recovery and cele woth uou qhen rhe sparkle xo es baxk bigger and brighter than ever!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
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